The Miami Dolphins are undergoing significant changes on the defensive side of the ball as key players have departed from the team.
Christian Wilkins, Xavien Howard, and Jerom Baker, who were instrumental in setting the tone for the defense, have all moved on to new teams. Wilkins signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Howard and Baker were released to create cap space and will be playing elsewhere in 2024.
With the departures of these key players, the Dolphins defense will be looking to forge a new identity under newly hired defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Weaver will have to work with the existing defensive roster and identify the players who will help shape Miami’s new defensive identity.
The Dolphins’ defensive depth chart breakdown reveals some key areas that will need attention. The edge players, defensive tackles, inside linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, and special teams all have specific challenges and opportunities for improvement.
In the edge players group, the Dolphins will need to address the void left by the departure of key players such as Emmanuel Ogbah and Andrew Van Ginkel. The defensive tackles, led by Zach Sieler, will need to step up to replace Wilkins and Raekwon Davis. The inside linebackers group will see new additions in Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr., who will be expected to contribute immediately.
The cornerbacks group will see Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller leading the way, with young players like Kader Kohou and Cam Smith competing for starting roles. The safeties group will rely on the leadership of Jordan Poyer to guide young talents like Jevon Holland and Elijah Campbell. The special teams unit, led by kicker Jason Sanders and punter Jake Bailey, will aim to maintain a high level of performance.
The Miami Dolphins defense will undergo significant changes in the upcoming season, as new players step up to fill the void left by the departing veterans. With the guidance of defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, the team will look to forge a new defensive identity and continue to compete at a high level in the NFL.
